미국의 내분비계 장애물질 규제체계에 관한 연구

초록

Generally endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that interfere with human hormone processes. EDCs are known to be persistent, bioaccumulative, and more importantly, omnipresent: drugs, pesticides, plastics, among other common chemicals, all demonstrate endocrine-disrupting properties. While many scientific studies have showed the frightening effects EDCs have on human health, particularly for fetuses while they develop in utero, as well as the environment, the risk posed by most of these chemicals is still uncertain due to lack of information on their properties, uses and exposure pathways. In this very context, this paper aims to examine the US Congress and the US Environment Protection Agency’s response to the current effects of EDCs and to draw reasonable implications for our relevant domestic regulation. This paper first explains the definition, general characteristics, types and health effects of EDCs in order to rationalize justification of their regulation. Next, it discusses the legislative development in the US in response to the health concerns of EDCs; the US Congress passed the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, which requires the EPA to test pesticides for their endocrine-disrupting properties. It also discusses implementation of the 1996 Act by the EPA, which, fifteen years later, has still not begun. Therefore, the paper further addresses the remedies against EPA’s delay and inaction under the Administrative Procedure Act to compel EPA to complete testing of pesticides for endocrine-disrupting properties, all with the goal of furthering effective regulation of EDCs. Lastly, this paper concludes by discussing possible legal and practical implications for Korea.

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